One of the oldest churches in the county is not actually a church, but a theatre. Built in 1872 on the corner of Seward and Columbia, the building now known as the Olde Glory Theatre was moved to Jackson Avenue in 1902. Since then, it’s been remodeled and used as a center for performing arts and community events.
Olde Glory as we know it was born in 2013, when the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce purchased it with hopes of turning it into a theatre. In 2015, the Olde Glory Foundation was formed and it’s been an independent nonprofit ever since.
Besides hosting local theatre and music, Olde Glory is also used for everything from weddings and showers, to piano and dance recitals, to family reunions, to garage sales.
Olde Glory has participated in Seward County Gives all four years, and this year they raised over $6,000.
“I was very happy with how much we raised,” Denise Christensen, treasurer of the Olde Glory Foundation, said.
But there are still opportunities to give—the foundation’s ultimate goal is to raise $85,000 for roof and siding repairs, plumbing repairs, and increased insurance costs.
“I’m just really grateful that there is a Seward County Gives, because that really makes a big impact for us,” Christensen said.
For Bryan Moore, vice president of the Olde Glory Foundation and professor of Communication and Theatre Arts at Concordia, the best part about working with Olde Glory is getting to engage with the community and offer entertainment that’s not on a screen. Whether it’s people coming together to share their talents in a performance, or friends and family gathering in the audience, the venue is meant to connect people.
Moore also noted the accessibility Olde Glory offers—rather than having to drive to Lincoln to see live entertainment, locals have a more affordable option right here in Seward.
“I think there’s some definite value in what we do,” Moore said.
Olde Glory hosts a variety of performances, giving locals the opportunity to try acting or directing, as well as giving groups like the King’s Players, the Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Workshop, and the Concordia University Theatre Department a place to practice and perform. Several local actors regularly participate in performances, but Christensen said the upcoming show has drawn several new people.
Not interested in acting? One of the perks of community theatre is there are always opportunities to try your hand at something new: directing shows, building sets, helping with concessions and dinners, and more.
If you prefer to be a part of the audience, you can watch the Olde Glory Theatre’s upcoming dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace, June 18–22. Concessions will be available June 18 and 19, with dinner served June 20 and 21 and dessert on June 22. To purchase tickets, find more information on upcoming shows or donate to the Olde Glory Foundation, visit oldeglorysewardne.com.
This is the first in a series of articles looking at the different organizations that participated in the Seward County Gives Day.
